As of Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2007, at least 3,083 members of the U.S. military have died since the beginning of the Iraq war in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count. The figure includes seven military civilians. At least 2,476 died as a result of hostile action, according to the military's numbers.

OfficeMax said Tuesday it will close 110 of its 950 stores in the first quarter as part of a restructuring aimed at strengthening its business. Separately, Toys R Us will shutter 87 locations as part of its reorganization after being taken private last year, but plans to convert 12 into Babies R Us stores.

The season's first snowstorm shut down more than a dozen suburban schools Thursday and challenged drivers to brush up on their winter skills. While Buffalo was spared the brunt of the storm, its eastern and southern suburbs were hit with six to 13 inches of snow overnight into Thursday.

If you're a race fan and haven't heard of Erin Crocker, you're not alone. She's 23, and has raced since she was 7, but now that Ford Motor Co. has tapped her as one of its developmental talents, perhaps she will be one of the NASCAR's next stars.